10.08.2019, Tskhinvali.
Repairing relations with Georgia is possible only after they recognize the fact of genocide against the Ossetian people, stated the President of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov on August 6, RIA Novosti reports.
“Georgia’s intent to commit genocide against the Ossetian people is seen in the very name which was chosen for the special operation – Operation Clear Field,” noted the President of South Ossetia.
He linked the events of the 2008 attack on the republic with the events of 1920, when Menshevik-led Georgia invaded South Ossetia (SO). In 1920, 5,300 people were killed, and in 2008 about 500 people lost their lives. In any regard, these were big losses for the Ossetian people. “To us, 500 dead people is already a genocide in terms of our population, ” said Anatoly Bibilov.
According to the president of South Ossetia, factual materials containing evidence of genocide in 1920 have already been gathered and sent to the State Duma of the Russian Federation, the Russian Parliament. Also, they will be sent as a first priority to the parliaments of those countries that have recognized South Ossetia. A complete set of materials will also be sent to the European Union (EU) and the UN.
When Bibilov was asked about re-establishing relations with Georgia, he said that it is possible, but Georgia has not yet taken any steps towards it. The South Ossetian President reminded that Georgia is not even close to signing a non-use of force agreement.
“Ethnic Georgians live perfectly well in South Ossetia, where they consider themselves to be an integral part of the society,” Bibilov particularly emphasized. Georgians who live in the republic have the opportunity to travel to Georgia to visit relatives, and to host them, stressed the president.
August 8 marks 11 years since the beginning of Georgian aggression against South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Multiple launch rocket systems attacked the city of Tskhinval. The Russian army then moved into South Ossetia. On August 12, 2008, peace was restored, and on August 26, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
It is worth mentioning that Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a meeting with journalists in Yekaterinburg on July 9, 2019, called the events of 1919-1920 in South Ossetia a genocide.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
